Lidl has once again secured the title of the most budget-friendly supermarket, outpacing Aldi in a recent comparison by Which?. This marks the second time in recent months that Lidl has emerged as the cheapest option.
In October, a shopping list comprising 70 items at Lidl totaled £120.46 on average, or £120.38 for members of its loyalty program, Lidl Plus. In contrast, an identical basket of goods at Aldi averaged £121.
Despite Aldi being named the most economical supermarket 22 out of the last 24 months based on Which? analysis, Lidl’s recent victory highlights its competitive pricing. The list of 70 items included various branded and own-brand products like Birds Eye Peas, Hovis bread, milk, and butter.
For Tesco shoppers, the same list would have cost £134.89 in the previous month, or £133.38 with a Clubcard. Sainsbury’s, on the other hand, tallied up to £139.68, or £136.79 with a Nectar card.
In a broader comparison of 187 items, Aldi and Lidl were excluded due to their smaller product range compared to other supermarkets. Asda reclaimed its position as the most cost-effective option for a larger shopping list, priced at £469.11. The same basket would have cost £476.11 for Tesco Clubcard holders and £481.34 at Morrisons with a More loyalty card.
Waitrose stood out as the priciest option for both smaller and larger shopping lists in October. The analysis by Which? factored in special offer prices and loyalty scheme discounts but excluded multi-buy promotions.
Reena Sewraz, Which? Retail Editor, remarked on Lidl’s latest win, emphasizing its affordability compared to Aldi even for non-members of its discount program. She also highlighted Asda’s consistent position as one of the UK’s most economical supermarkets, especially for those seeking a wide selection of branded goods.
As households face rising food prices, especially with the holiday season approaching, the analysis underscores the importance of price comparison. Simply opting for one supermarket over another could lead to savings of up to 26%.